Indian football fans breathe a sigh of relief as FIFA is set to deal with Indian broadcasters. Indian television networks are set to secure their broadcasting rights for the upcoming grand tournament of football with an official announcement within the next few days. The deal, worth 30-35 million dollars, ensures that the FIFA World Cup will be available for viewers across India.
In 2026, FIFA is hosting their major tournament all over the stadiums of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA, with 48 teams and a total number of 104 matches, desires the tournament to be the most-viewed World Cup ever staged.
Which channel will host the major event?
Zee Entertainment Enterprises could be set for a return to sports broadcasting, with reports linking the company to a potential bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup media rights in India. FIFA is still searching for a broadcast partner after receiving limited interest from major networks.
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According to reports, the governing body has reduced its asking price significantly, making the deal more attractive for broadcasters. Factors such as high rights costs, cricket’s dominance in India, and unfavourable match timings for Indian viewers had earlier reduced interest from leading broadcasters like JioStar and Sony.
🚨 | JUST IN: Zee Entertainment is all set to broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 in India, @IndianExpress 🇮🇳 🏆
— Best of Indian Football (@IndianFootyBest) May 23, 2026
Zee is reportedly planning to launch 7 new sports channels. FIFA expected to finalize the deal worth around $35 million by next week!
BIG NEWS FOR #IndianFootball fans 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MtJc1IKigL
Zee’s possible entry could reshape the Indian sports broadcasting landscape and provide clarity for football fans awaiting confirmation on World Cup coverage in the country. However, no official agreement has been announced so far.
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Despite the relaxation about the hosting rights, the Indian football team has slipped down in the ranks. India's men's national team has suffered unfortunate results throughout the year, dropping them from the FIFA ranking. It recurred more after their struggle in the AFC Championships. This failure is due to the structural deficit of Indian football, where the issue ranges from youth development to a lack of in-depth competitions. The Indian viewers have shown major concerns towards European football
